Two paddleboarders rescued by RNLI lifeguards at Portrush West Strand

Lifeguards Ellen Gibbons and Oran Clyde

Two paddleboarders were dramatically rescued by RNLI lifeguards at Portrush West Strand on Saturday after being swept out to sea by strong offshore winds.

The incident occurred in the early afternoon as temperatures soared and beachgoers took to the water to cool off during the ongoing heatwave.

Lifeguards Ellen Gibbons and Oran Clyde were on patrol when they noticed the paddleboarders struggling to return to shore against increasingly powerful winds.

Acting swiftly, both lifeguards launched into the water with rescue boards and reached the paddleboarders, transferring them safely onto the boards before making the careful return to shore.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Annie Jagoe praised the rapid response and composure of her team:

“This was a great team effort by everyone involved. We’re incredibly proud of the calm and professional actions of Ellen and Oran on their first ever rescue.”

The RNLI is reminding all water users, particularly stand-up paddleboarders, to remain vigilant and follow essential safety measures when heading out to sea, especially during periods of offshore winds.

Annie continued:

“Whether you are a beginner or more experienced with stand-up paddleboarding, we advise following key safety measures such as:

▪ Wearing a buoyancy aid that provides extra flotation in the water should you fall in

▪ Carrying a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch to use in an emergency

▪ Wearing the correct leash to stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and need help to stay afloat

▪ And to avoid offshore winds that can quickly blow you and your paddleboard far out to sea, making it difficult to paddle back to shore.

“To know when the wind is offshore, keep an eye out for the orange windsock on lifeguarded beaches to see which way the wind is blowing.”

RNLI lifeguards are currently providing daily patrols between 10am and 6pm on beaches across the Causeway Coast and County Down.

Lifeguarded locations include Benone, Downhill, Castlerock, Portstewart Strand, Portrush West and East, Whiterocks, Ballycastle, Tyrella, Murlough, and Cranfield.